Behavioral response of brown meagre (Sciaena umbra) to boat noise. Issue 1 (15th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: La Manna, G.; Manghi, M.; Perretti, F.; Sarà, G.
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 110:Issue 1(2016:Sep.)
• Page Start: 324
• Page End: 334
• Publication Date: 2016-09-15
• Subjects: Boat noise -- Behavior -- Management -- Mediterranean Sea -- Sciaena umbra; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.06.045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Underwater man-made noise is recognized as a major global pollutant in the 21st Century, and its reduction has been included in national and international regulations. Despite the fact that many studies have pointed out the ecological impact of noise on marine organisms, few studies have investigated - in a field context - the behavioral response to boat noise in fish. In the present study we measure how Sciaena umbra reacts to boat noise. We found that boat noise: i) increased duration of flight reactions and number of individuals performing them, ii) increased the frequency of hiding behaviors, and iii) did not elicit a change in fish activity level and sound emission. Flights and hiding behavior, usually related to predation risk, were not uniform between individuals and showed a quick recovery after noise exposure. On the basis of these results, potential metabolic, physiological and behavioral consequences are discussed and management recommendations are proposed. Highlights: Sciaena umbra showed no changes in activity levels as a consequence of boat noise. No change in sound emission frequency as a consequence of noise exposure was found. S. umbra showed increased flight and hiding behavior as a response to boat noise. The present study highlighted a different individual response to high noise level.